**Ukraine Seeks US Support to Regain Control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant**
The Ukrainian government is seeking support from the United States to regain control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and launch joint energy projects. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko made this request during a recent discussion at the Atlantic Council.
“We have a common interest with the United States to bring the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under Ukrainian control and start the operation of this nuclear power plant,” Halushchenko said. “It can bring new opportunities for cooperation between us, for example, when it comes to electricity exports.”
The Zaporizhzhia NPP is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and one of the top 10 in the world. It has been under Russian occupation since the early days of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
**Restarting the Plant Key to Ukraine’s Reconstruction**
Halushchenko suggested that restarting the plant could play a key role in Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction. “We will need more electricity for any project that may be implemented in Ukraine, together with the U.S. We need more electricity to rebuild the country on a large scale,” he added.
The minister also emphasized that allowing Russia to maintain control of the plant would be a “total disaster” for global nuclear safety. “If we allow the Russians to keep control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, even without resuming its operations, it will be a total disaster for everything the world has achieved in the development of peaceful atom.”
**Concerns Over Russian Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure**
Halushchenko also raised alarm over repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and their implications for nuclear security. Since August 2024, over 150 incidents have been recorded in which Russian missiles or drones flew near or over Ukraine’s nuclear sites, including Zaporizhzhia.
A narrower agreement was reached on March 25 to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure, but that truce has largely failed to hold. Both Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of violating the energy ceasefire.
**US Support Crucial**
The US government has already shown support for Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of joint U.S.-Ukrainian ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear plants during a recent visit to Europe.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on April 16 that the US is closing its office responsible for countering foreign disinformation, citing concerns about free speech and the rights of American citizens. However, it remains unclear whether this move will impact the US’s willingness to support Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
**The Way Forward**
In conclusion, Ukraine is seeking US support to regain control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and launch joint energy projects. The success of these efforts will be crucial in ensuring global nuclear safety and supporting Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the international community must come together to ensure that Russia does not maintain control over this critical piece of infrastructure.
